The Learning Future Podcast with Louka Parry

How might we design AI not just to personalize learning, but to truly make it personal, enabling each learner to discover and design their own purpose? What would professional development look like if it mirrored the learning experiences we aspire to give young people—human-centered, delightful, and deeply relevant? In this rich and forward-looking conversation on The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry is joined by Sunanna Chand, Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America. Together, they explore the future of learning, focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI), human-centered design, and learning ecosystems can unlock new educational possibilities. Sunanna shares insights into Future Shock, a project-based program that equips young people with the skills to design their own futures—combining interest-based learning with strategic uses of AI. She also reflects on the need to design professional learning for educators with the same joy, relevance, and depth we desire for students. The conversation touches on AI's potential as both a partner and a risk, advocating for technology that enhances human connection rather than replacing it. Together, Louka and Sunanna unpack how we might move from standardized education to personalized, purpose-driven learning while acknowledging the real constraints educators face. They stress the power of networks, radical imagination, and equitable design in reshaping learning for the 21st century. About Sunanna Chand: Sunanna Chand is the Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America, where she leads future-focused R&D efforts to reshape education through design, equity, and innovation. With a background spanning learning ecosystems, human-centered design, and system transformation, she previously led Remake Learning, fostering district-level change through powerful cross-sector networks. A passionate advocate for learner agency and equity, Sunanna explores how tools like AI can support—not supplant—human connection in education. She is a national voice for reimagining what high-quality, personal, and purposeful learning can look like for all young people. Stay Connected with Sunanna Chand: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunannachand/ Learn more about the Reinvention Lab: reinventionlab.org Stay Connected with Louka Parry: For the latest learning innovation follow Louka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loukaparry/ Share your thoughts by visiting www.thelearningfuture.com Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

What if we designed our education systems around relationships instead of outcomes—what would change in how we measure success?As AI rapidly integrates into learning environments, how do we safeguard and elevate the irreplaceable value of human connection in a child's development?In this thought-provoking episode of The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry is joined by Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and author of Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education. Together, they explore why relationships must be placed at the center of learning systems—from the neuroscience of early childhood development to the role of love, play, and human connection in lifelong learning.Isabelle shares powerful insights from her research, including the impact of nurturing relationships on brain development, the hidden costs of technology-induced disconnection, and the decline of free play in childhood. They also discuss the promises and perils of AI in education—highlighting its potential to either enhance or erode our relational capacities depending on how it's designed and used.Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode offers a compelling call to action: to reimagine learning as a relational, joyful, and deeply human experience.Resources mentioned:- Love to Learn by Isabelle Hau- Research on the Romanian orphanages and brain development- The Stanford study on AI companionship- Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (TOPO)Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

What if Emotional Intelligence Was as Essential as Math? Are We Truly Preparing our peers to Lead with Emotional Intelligence?In this special episode of The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry welcomes back the podcast's inaugural guest, Professor Marc Brackett, a global authority on emotional intelligence and founder of Yale University's Center for Emotional Intelligence. They dive deep into the significance of emotional education, reflecting on how far the field has come and the challenges that lie ahead in embedding emotional intelligence into schools, workplaces, and communities.Marc shares personal stories, research insights, and practical strategies to build emotional intelligence systems, such as the RULER framework. Together, they explore questions like why emotions matter more than ever in today's world, the importance of implementation in education reform, and how to create environments where people feel truly cared for.What You'll Learn: • The origins and evolution of the RULER emotional intelligence framework. • Why emotional intelligence is a necessity, not a luxury, for navigating life's challenges. • How to create emotionally intelligent schools and workplaces. • The critical role of adult emotional education in shaping young minds. • Marc's reflections on technology's impact on emotional health and practical strategies to address it. • Inspiring stories about how emotional intelligence transforms communities.Key Quotes: • “Every child deserves one adult who is irrationally crazy about them.” – Uri Bronfenbrenner, shared by Marc. • “Emotions aren't gendered—they're what make us human.” • “It's not about fixing people; it's about creating environments where they feel seen and heard.”About Marc Brackett:Marc Brackett is the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, a professor at Yale University, and author of the bestselling book Permission to Feel. His work focuses on integrating emotional intelligence into education systems and organizations to improve outcomes for children and adults worldwide.Resources Mentioned: • RULER Framework for Emotional Intelligence • Book: Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett • Studies on social-emotional learning and their impactJoin the Conversation:What resonated most with you about emotional intelligence and its role in education and life? Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can educators and designers cultivate learning experiences that prepare us for a future that is constantly unfolding?In a world where the pace of technological change accelerates, what roles do emotion and creativity play in shaping our educational paradigms?Carissa Carter is a designer geoscientist and the Academic Director at the Stanford D School. Carissa guides the development of the D School's pedagogy, leads instructors, and shapes its class offerings. She is known for her expertise in emerging tech, climate change, and data visualization and has played a pivotal role in the creation of educational resources that blend design with real-world applications.Scott Dawley is a writer, designer, and the Creative Director at the Stanford D School. Scott has been instrumental in overseeing projects ranging from books to digital products focused on the future of learning and design. He co-authored “Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration” and has taught numerous courses in design communication.In this episode, we delve into the heart of speculative design and its implications for education and future thinking. Carissa and Scott, co-authors of the influential book “Assembling Tomorrow,” discuss their journey of writing and their experiences at the Stanford D School. They explore how speculative design can act as a powerful tool in educational settings, allowing both educators and students to experiment with future scenarios in safe and meaningful ways.Listeners will gain insights into the process of creating a book that not only discusses future possibilities but also actively engages with these ideas through a series of speculative fiction stories. The discussion also touches on the role of emotion and creativity in shaping learning experiences that are not only informative but transformative.This conversation is not just about the theories of future learning but a profound look at how these ideas are practically applied and continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of society and technology.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can educators balance the need for structure in the classroom with the importance of fostering student agency and creativity?In what ways can design thinking be leveraged to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems within our education systems?Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel is an esteemed educator and designer known for her work on equity, social justice, and the inclusion of underrepresented voices in design education. Currently transitioning to OCAD University in Toronto, she previously served as a professor at North Carolina State University and held leadership roles at Tulane University and Stanford's d.school. Dr. Noel's work is deeply influenced by Paulo Freire and bell hooks, focusing on how design can be a tool for liberation and social change.In this episode, Louka Parry and Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel dive deep into the transformative power of design education. Dr. Noel discusses her journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Brazil, the U.S., and now Canada, and how these experiences have shaped her views on education, equity, and design. They explore the importance of agency in both students and educators, the role of emotional intelligence in design, and the critical need for education systems to support diverse identities and perspectives.Listeners will gain insights into how to challenge the status quo in education, the significance of cultivating emotional and social awareness in design, and practical approaches to fostering more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Dr. Noel's reflections on her own positionality and how it informs her work provide a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness in creating meaningful change.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can we, as educators, better harness the power of reflection to shape the future of our students and our world? In a system that often prioritizes the "right answer," how can we cultivate a culture of divergent thinking and curiosity in our classrooms? Leticia Britos Cavagnaro is an innovative educator, designer, and scientist, currently co-directing the University Innovation Fellows program at Stanford's D School. With a PhD in developmental biology from Stanford University, Leticia has dedicated her career to creating and facilitating transformative learning experiences that emphasize creativity, design, and the use of emerging technologies. Her latest book, Experiments in Reflection: How to See the Present, Reconsider the Past, and Shape the Future, explores the importance of reflective practices in both education and personal development. In this episode, Louka Parry sits down with Leticia Britos Cavagnaro to dive deep into the art of reflection and its pivotal role in education. Leticia shares insights from her extensive experience at Stanford's D School, where she has been at the forefront of developing innovative educational methodologies. Listeners will explore how reflective practices can help students and educators alike engage more deeply with their learning experiences, fostering a culture of curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning. The conversation touches on the importance of divergent thinking and how educators can move beyond traditional, convergent models of teaching to encourage a more holistic approach to learning. Leticia also discusses the idea of using reflection not just to understand the past but to actively shape the future, offering practical experiments and strategies for educators to implement in their classrooms. Whether you're a teacher, principal, or educational innovator, this episode provides valuable insights into how to create a more dynamic, reflective, and future-focused educational environment.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can we harness our infinite creative potential in everyday life? What role does failure play in building creative capacity? Grace Hawthorne is an entrepreneur, designer, educator, author, and artist. She's the founder and CEO of Paperpunk, an award-winning origami and Lego mashup. Grace is also an adjunct professor at the Stanford D School, where she teaches courses on creativity and failure, and leads groundbreaking research on creative capacity building. In this episode, Grace Hawthorne discusses the transformative power of creativity and how to make possibilities happen. She shares insights from her new book, highlighting the importance of starting, doing, and finishing projects. The conversation delves into the biases that prevent us from acting on our ideas and the value of experiential learning in cultivating creativity. Grace also touches on the impact of technology on creativity and the importance of maintaining agency in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What are the impacts of integrating contemplative social emotional learning and systems thinking in education? How can we transform our educational structures to better serve the well-being of students and educators?Mette Miriam Boell is a biologist specialized in the evolution of complex social systems, mammalian play behavior, and philosophy of nature. She holds a PhD in organizational ethology from Aarhus University and additional degrees in contemplative leadership and the philosophy of science. Mette co-founded the Center for Systems Awareness with Peter Senge, focusing on integrating social-emotional learning, systems thinking, and mindfulness in education.In this episode, Mette discusses her journey and current work, emphasizing the importance of understanding and transforming the structures that shape behavior in educational systems. She explores the integration of contemplative practices and the science of learning to address the mental health crisis among young people. Mette shares insights on the compassionate systems framework, highlighting the interconnectedness of emotional, social, and systemic elements in creating thriving learning environments. The conversation delves into the necessity of shifting away from outdated paradigms towards a more human-centric, compassionate approach to education.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can we effectively integrate AI into education to prepare students for the future?What key competencies and character traits must education systems prioritize in a rapidly evolving technological landscape?This episode features Charles Fadel, founder of the Nonprofit Center for Curriculum Redesign and author of "Education for the Age of AI." Charles has taught at Harvard, MIT, Wharton, and the University of Pennsylvania, and has held executive roles at Cisco Systems. He brings a unique perspective from his extensive experience in both technology and education.Charles discusses the parallels between AI advancements and the early days of the internet, and the current state and future potential of AI in education. He provides an overview of his four-dimensional education model, which emphasizes knowledge, skills, character, and meta-learning, and underscores the importance of purpose, autonomy, and identity in motivating students.Charles also explores the necessity of balancing knowledge with skills and character development, highlighting the role of project-based learning in making education more relevant. He addresses the impact of university entrance exams on K-12 education and the need for modernized assessments, as well as the cultural and contextual differences in education systems globally. Furthermore, Charles delves into the importance of enabling students to apply knowledge across different contexts and disciplines, and how AI can aid in recognizing patterns and facilitating knowledge transfer.He discusses the evolution of traditional disciplines and the need for interconnected learning approaches, balancing didactic education with project-based learning for holistic development. Finally, Charles emphasizes the need for urgency in education reform and encourages educators and leaders to drive local change with a mindset of incremental improvements. Join us as we explore the future of education with Charles Fadel, delving into the integration of AI and the importance of a holistic, human-centric approach to learning.Join us as we explore the future of education with Charles Fadel, delving into the integration of AI and the importance of a holistic, human-centric approach to learning.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

What if the success of our education system was measured by how well it engages students in their passions rather than standardised test scores? How might the dynamics of a classroom change if students, parents, and teachers all had an equal say in designing the curriculum? In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, Louka Parry talks with Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow and co-director at the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. They discuss the technical setup challenges before diving into the main topics. Rebecca shares insights into her dual roles as both a director and researcher, highlighting her focus on transforming education systems and engaging students. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding and addressing student disengagement, the need for system transformation versus system strengthening, and the role of power in education reform. Rebecca emphasizes the necessity of co-creating new education purposes with input from all stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators. They also explore the idea of shifting from compliance-oriented behavior management to motivation-based approaches and the impact of teacher mindsets on student engagement. Rebecca stresses that while engagement is crucial for learning outcomes, it must be supported by a system that aligns with the true purpose of education. The episode concludes with Rebecca's reflection on the transformative power of education and the potential for systemic change when all stakeholders are involved. Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

Hello team and welcome back to the Learning Future Podcast! It's been quite a while since our last release, but we're excited to bring you a special episode today. We're taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Season 7, aptly titled "Education Transformed," and offering a glimpse into the exciting content we have lined up for Season 8.Season 7 Retrospective:Season 7 was an extraordinary collaboration with the international think tank, Salzburg Global Seminar. As a multiple-time fellow, I've witnessed firsthand their efforts to bridge divides and foster leadership globally. We kicked off the season with Dominic Regester, Director of the Center for Education Transformation at Salzburg Global Seminar. Dominic set the stage for our discussions on transforming education, moving beyond merely improving the old model to creating something fundamentally new and impactful.Throughout the season, we engaged with 20 remarkable educators, designers, innovators, and thought leaders. Highlights include:Dr. Anantha Duraiappah from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, who discussed the power of cognition and social-emotional learning.John Goodwin and Chris Purifoy from the Learning Economy Foundation, who explored the concept of a learning economy and transferable credentials.Gavin Dykes from the Education World Forum, who emphasized the importance of global collaboration in education.Professor Frank Oberklaid, a pediatrician and public health expert, who spoke on centering child well-being in education systems.Tom Vander Ark from Getting Smart, who shared insights on AI in education and the role of passion and purpose in learning.We also had enlightening conversations with educators like Franco Mosso from Enseña Perú, who dreams of a nation of young changemakers, and Romana Shaikh, who underscored the need for self-transformation for systemic change.Our discussions touched on various themes, from humanizing technology in education to fostering curiosity and resilience. The season concluded with profound reflections from Professor Stephanie Jones from Harvard's EASEL Lab and Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate.Season 8 Preview:As we look forward to Season 8, I'm thrilled to share that we have already recorded eight episodes featuring some of the world's most insightful educators and thinkers.Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution will discuss agency and relationships in student engagement.Charles Fadel, author of "Education for the Age of AI," will delve into the implications of AI on learning.Mette Miriam Boell from MIT will share insights on building compassionate, living system-based educational models.We also have an exciting series featuring colleagues from the Stanford D School, who will present innovative approaches to creative education.Closing:Thank you so much for joining us on this journey. Your support and engagement are what make this podcast possible. If you have any suggestions or want to share your thoughts, reach out to us at hello@thelearningfuture.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at Louka Parry or The Learning Future. We'd love to hear from you and learn about your work as an educator, innovator, or leader.Until next time, thanks for listening and stay tuned for an incredible Season 8!Stay connected with us for updates and new episodes. Subscribe to the Learning Future Podcast on your favorite platform, and don't forget to leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and bring you the best content in education transformation.

In an environment of rapid academic and technological achievement; what are the potential long-term impacts on individual well-being and societal development should social-emotional learning no be effectively incorporated into our educational systems? What can we do to balance and serve broad diverse requirements of young learners? Ryder Delaloye is the Associate Director for SEE Learning® (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) Program at the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-based Ethics which is located within Emory University. He is a practitioner of education and learning, his experience as a teacher and administrator spans from 2nd grade through graduate school. He has taught in public and private schools and universities both domestically and internationally. Prior to his role as the Associate Director of SEE Learning, his research and school engagement focused on whole school and district transformation, district leadership, social studies education, sustainability education, civic education, and teacher and administrator social emotional learning. Ryder believes that education is a vehicle for interpersonal growth and societal change. He is grounded by his wife and children; with whom he loves to play and go on adventures in the mountains. He received his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Montana.—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation—Transcript available at thelearningfuture.com

How do you safely define 'peak humanity' and what would you consider its main characteristics? What ingredients make the education, reasoning, rationality, and creativity for an era of fulfilment for humanity; particularly when faced with dramatic and powerful tools such as AI? Dylan Wiliam is one of the best known educationalists in the world. He's dedicated his entire career to understanding how to ensure learner outcomes are achieved, especially through the study of formative assessment. Dylan is currently Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment at the Institute of Education, University of London. He was previously Deputy Director of the Institute, and has held posts at King's College London and Princeton University. He earned his PhD from the University of London in 1993. We highly recommend one of his recent and many publications about preparing for AI: https://edarxiv.org/372vr/—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation—Transcript available at thelearningfuture.com

How does one become the realisation that much of what might be learned over 15 years of schooling was mostly meaningless influence over a person's life trajectory? How might free and untethered gaps help one find personal growth, resilience, and navigation in their life? Sal Gordon dives into the details of his Peaceful Pirate Principle. After Sal's schooling, he quickly realised that most of what he had learned in over 15 years of formal education seemed meaningless. In a way, Sal felt that school had impeded his true education. What was meant to be a gap-year transformed into a gap decade, during which Sal travelled and worked around the world, picking up new languages, customs, and cultures. He took on an array of jobs and enhanced his life skills; from sales to office jobs, from authoring books to driving trucks, from tending bars and restaurants to managing warehouses, working in labs, and building houses. It seemed there was no job Sal hadn't tried – constantly adapting to new environments, building resilience, and nurturing his love for people, learning, and our beautiful planet. Amongst all his roles, Sal's favourite was sailing boats – an experience that profoundly changed his life. He discovered an undeniable, sacred bond between the water, the wind, and a boat. Sal soon recognised that the treasures he once sought weren't just material, like gold or gems. Instead, the real treasures were all around — the breathtaking natural environment, remarkable humans, innate creativity, life's challenges, and love. These became the most valuable to him. Sal believed his true vocation lay in teaching and learning. After all, that had been the essence of his life's journey. He was confident that, as a Peaceful Pirate Principal, he could guide others to discover their real treasures.—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformationTranscript available at www.thelearningfuture.com

What conditions in our current learning systems may be hindering our young people's ability to thrive, and how might we address these barriers to foster better learning environments? See some of Cathrine's projects at www.trustforlearning.org and her nature-based learning report published in April 2023, found here.This conversation features a longing to expand into capabilities that make us really human and help us in the new reality of the marketplace, for example, to be problem solvers, risk takers, collaborative, critical thinkers, all important skills of adaption. As an educator with over 30 years of experience in the field of early care and education, Cathrine Floyd PhD (pronounced “Katrina”- it's Norwegian) brings her experience in quality improvement, programming, policy studies and education finance to Trust for Learning and our partners. Cathrine holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from the University of Colorado at Denver and a doctorate from the University of Denver in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Her passion for social justice and equity building guides her work to create systems change and positive outcomes for children and families, particularly those from historically underserved populations. Cathrine is a coalition builder with experience in state and federal systems, public and charter school districts, non- and for-profit community organizations and family child care. Her joy in learning and hearing different perspectives enables her to authentically partner and support all voices in collaboration. When not engaging in her work in early childhood, Cathrine enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformationTranscript available at www.thelearningfuture.com

Are we truly promoting self-control or just compliance to adult demands? How can we engage students in deep, effortless, and meaningful learning experiences? Stephanie M. Jones is the Gerald S. Lesser Professor in Child Development and Education and Director of the EASEL Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her research, anchored in prevention science, focuses on the effects of poverty and exposure to violence on social, emotional, and behavioral development from early childhood through early adolescence. Over the past fifteen years, her work has centered on evaluation research addressing the impact of preschool- and elementary-level social-emotional learning interventions on behavioral and academic outcomes and classroom practices, as well as new curriculum development, implementation, and testing. Stephanie is also co-Director (with Nonie Lesaux) of the Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative and Co-PI of the Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H). She serves on numerous national advisory boards and expert consultant groups related to social-emotional development, early childhood education, and child and family anti-poverty policies, including recently as a member of the Council of Distinguished Scientists for the Aspen National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development. Her research is published in academic and educational journals as well as in trade publications, and she regularly presents her work to national academic and practitioner audiences. Jones holds a Ph.D. from Yale University and a B.A. from Barnard College.—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformationTranscript available at www.thelearningfuture.com

How might a background in politics, including as Minister of Education, shape an approach to public education? What significant initiatives or reforms from Government might spearhead successful and positive education reform in the public sector? Mr Olli-Pekka Heinonen became the 8th Director General of the International Baccalaureate Organization on 1 May 2021. Prior to joining the IB, Mr Heinonen was Director General of the Finnish National Agency for Education where he worked from January 2017. Mr Heinonen had an active career in politics in Finland between 1994 and 2002: he was Minister of Education and Science from 1994-1999; Minister of Transport and Communication from 1999-2002 and a Member of Parliament from 1995-2002. From 2002 to 2012, Mr Heinonen was Director of Yle, the Finnish national public broadcasting company, before joining the Finnish Prime Minister's Office in March 2012 as State Secretary, responsible for organizing and leading the office. He has also been responsible, as State Secretary, for the portfolios of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development and then as State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance of Finland. Mr Heinonen holds a Master of Laws from the University of Helsinki in Finland and has been awarded honorary doctorates by both the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Turku in Finland. He is married and has three children. Transcript available at thelearningfuture.com

Have you ever considered how curiosity is a powerful state of mind and being? What feel-good trends are there in modern humanity? Jigyasa says her name means curiosity, and in this conversation, she doesn't shy away from delving into deep explorations of creativity, holism, beautiful futures, and even meeting our dreams. These two deep-thinking changemakers share their insights, free of inhibitions, and encourage listeners to embrace their own curiosity to change the world for the better. Jigyasa Labroo is the Co-Founder and CEO of Slam Out Loud (SOL), where she leads program development, fundraising, and partnerships. SOL uses the transformative power of visual and performing arts like theatre, poetry, and storytelling to build Socio-Emotional Learning skills in children from underserved backgrounds. Slam Out Loud collaborates with state governments and teaching artists, currently working with children across five states in India through their in-person programs, building Creative Confidence in them to find their voice. Organisations across 19 countries have used their online open-source curriculum with a cumulative reach of 10 million children. Jigyasa studied Learning Design as a KC Mahindra scholar at Harvard Graduate School of Education and is one of the winners of Falling Walls, Berlin. She is also on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list and was most recently awarded Innovator of the Year 2023 by HundrED, Finland. Jigyasa has been a fellow at Salzburg Global Seminar, WISE- Qatar, Arts for Good- Singapore, and Teach For India. She believes in the power of finding one's voice and engages with music, travel, and coaching to evolve hers constantly.—Slam Out Loud, Educationhttps://slamoutloud.com/—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformationTranscription available at thelearningfuture.com

How can a basic understanding of neuroscience empower children to take control of their reactions and behaviors? How can schools cultivate conditions that promote flow in their students and why is this important for optimal learning and fulfillment?This conversation is a goosebump inducer, an optimistic and can-do showcase of the practicality of practices that can promote flow - high-level performance and deep learning. Dido Balla Speaker, Educator, and Entrepreneur, Dido is currently the Head of Education for the Goldie Hawn Foundation, where his focus is to maximize the impact of MindUP in schools, communities, and families. He is on a mission to make the world a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled place. of Education for MindUp. Dido graduated with a Master's of Science in Secondary Education from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. Dido has seven years of experience as a High School teacher, and he is also the founder of a non-profit organization called FitLit, whose mission is to use a blended curriculum of fitness and literacy to empower youth.As an experienced brain trainer, Dido has positively impacted thousands of parents, educators as well as students in the areas of emotional intelligence, mindful awareness, and positive psychology. His work has expanded across the 10 countries.In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, hosts Louka and Dido explore the concept of flow and its impact on health, well-being, performance, achievement, and growth. They discuss the importance of long-term fitness rather than short-term gains, the profound experiences of flow, and the collective nature of this state. Join them as they delve into the depths of flow and share insights on how to cultivate it in everyday life. With inspiring conversations and a focus on honoring the learning journey, this podcast episode is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to tap into their own flow experiences.Educator, Speaker, Entrepreneurhttps://www.didoballa.com/FitLit Chief Vision Officerhttps://www.fitlitters.com/Kindness Matters 365 Board Memberhttps://kindnessmatters365.org/Transcripts available at www.thelearningfuture.com—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation

What are the ingredients, components and other big Cs for human flourishing? What tools are available and what are unneeded to achieve our visions? Alex sets out clear and enactable frameworks and approaches to achieve our visions and ultimately create systems in our work and life geared for human flourishing.Alex Battison is Senior Deputy Head at Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire, UK. Previous to that, he was on the SLT at Wells Cathedral school in Somerset and taught at Hurstpierpoint College in West Sussex, holding a variety of different roles.He is Chair of Educational Futures at Harvard's Human Flourishing Programme and in May 2022 he was one of 51 individuals convened to discuss the future of education at Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria, with the work produced then being published at the UN Conference for Transforming Education in New York last September. He is a Salzburg Global and RSA fellow, has a Masters in Learning and Teaching from Oxford, and is currently in the last year of a Doctorate in Leadership, Learning and Policy from Bristol University.Outside of school, Alex is routinely engaged in exploring and collaborating for educational transformation around the world, following his dream of co-creating the future of education.Alex is also involved in two international working groups that are collaborating to affect systemic change; one that has a focus on supporting school leaders in the UK, and the other investigating inter-generational leadership and methods of co-construction as pathways for greater societal flourishing. Alex consults in other industries where he mentors for both the Premier League and Reluctantly Brave in the areas of leadership and culture change, which exposes him to transformational leadership environments away from schools.Transcripts available at www.thelearningfuture.com—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation

Why do some students have such few hopes for the future where others do, when both have the same potentials and opportunities? What are some revolutionary, brave, and ingenious developments of technology design in education?Lasse Leponiemi is a co-founder and executive director at HundrED, https://hundred.org/ a mission-driven organisation focusing on identifying, amplifying and implementing education innovations.Lasse has been working with the youth education and career planning since 2003. In 2008, he founded an e-student counseling and marketing service whose clientele included everyone in Finland that was interested in university studies, reaching over 100.000 students monthly. When the company merged with the biggest prep-course provider in Finland in 2011 Lasse co-founded the NGO Mentors of Finland, which helps over 400 unemployed young people get a job every year. Since 2012 he has been working at HundrED developing educational concepts. Find out more about Lasse at HundrEDTranscripts available at www.thelearningfuture.com—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation

What does it mean to empower younger generations? Does it shift power away from others, or does it empower the whole?The concept of sharing and building and renovating our spaces, co-designed intergenerationally, enables more broad outcomes and possibilities.This episode features two guests and contributors to Salzburg Global Seminar, this seasons partner. Elo·ise loves to connect ideas, people and places. In her work with the charity Big Change, a catalyst for long-term changes to how we support the next generation, she nurtures Global Alliances. In particular, the Big Education Conversation, which has evolved from a campaign in England to get the public talking about the purpose and future of education into a global invitation launched at the UN Transforming Education Summit. With intergenerational collaboration at its core, the initiative is currently being adopted, adapted and co-created by partners across 6 continents. Elo·ise is committed to the craft of holding space for system transformation, from the personal to the global. This ranges from work to raise awareness and build agency around the Sustainable Development Goals, in her previous role building the World's Largest Lesson and presently with Colombian Charity Worn-en, to her practice as a massage therapist and Circles facilitator with Space To Pause. At the moment, she is particularly curious about the power of listening and attunement. Aliyah lrabor-York is the founder of Pupil Power, a nation wide movement based in the UK which empowers young people to develop their agency in order to reimagine the 21st century's Education system. Since starting her organisation at 16, her work has been awarded and recognised for advising global leaders/organisations on how to embed a genuine culture for youth voice. Currently she serves as the youngest board member for Lyfta Education, as well as an Associate Consultant at Big change. Her expertise include designing, aligning, and implementing collaborative and intergenerational campaigns and programs that transform practice in the Education system. Aliyah is currently studying Education, Policy and International Development at the University of Cambridge. Transcripts available at www.thelearningfuture.com—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation

What does it mean to recognise that education is more than an institution, but a state of being? What are some of the shifts of perspective required for positive systemic transformation?People and their systems are in symbiosis, the relationship between personal and systemic transformations is an inseperable one. Romana Shaikh is the Chief Program Officer at Kizazi, a global non-profit that seeks to catalyze innovation in the design of school models to enable all children to thrive. She has deep experience working across India, West Africa and Armenia with local teams to transform public education to so education is contextually responsive, restorative of culture and identity & relevant to the needs of young people and their communities. Romana practices Presence Oriented Psychotherapy with individuals and groups and is currently involved in collaborative and peace building efforts in India. Through her work, Romana is studying the relationship between personal transformation and systemic transformation. She is a faculty member for Comprehensive Sexuality Education, Presence Oriented Psychotherapy. A Salzburg Global Seminar Fellow and an alumnus of Teach For India. Previously, she has been the Director of Training & Impact for Teach For India & a consultant to TFIx, TFAll and various other NGOs in rural & urban India.Romana loves tending to plants, practicing yoga and meditation and learning from various wisdom traditions. She enjoys learning about cultures and the diversity of life experiences people have through reading, traveling & being a part of communities.—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out our partner's publication advocating for education transformation: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation

How do projects of Agency across broad ranges and portfolios across Peru impact upon the lives in the community? Hear from a Peruvian expert in education about how a system has empowered hundreds of students into role models and doers of admirable public and community good.Franco is CEO and co-founder at Enseña Peru. https://ensenaperu.org/Franco finds, connects and develops leaders to transform education together. His passion is student leadership. He holds a master's degree in education from Harvard and studies in strategy also from Harvard. He is a TEDx Speaker and Salzburg Global Seminar Fellow. He was a member of the Network Advisory Council of the global network Teach for all. He is also an author, publishing several chapters and articles in UNESCO, Diplomatic Courier, OECD, Teach for All, Harvard Latin Review, Global Education Initiative. In 2018 he was the recipient of the Leadership in Education award from Harvard, as well as the Faculty Tribute award from Harvard. His courses have become public policy in several regions in his country, scaling to thousands of teachers, especially promoting transformations such as student agency and personalized teaching in rural areas. He lives in Peru with his wife and daughter.—-This Season is done in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar. https://www.salzburgglobal.org/Please check out the partner publication: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation

Is there a way to prepare ourselves for complexities that don't fit standardised approaches or formula? How complicated can pedagogy become before it's unworkable, and what does it take to increase this threshold? Transcripts available at https://www.thelearningfuture.comThis episode features The Learning Future's Director of Leadership and Culture. Dr Anne Knock is an educator, facilitator, and coach who enables profound shifts in strategy, leadership, culture and pedagogy through her wisdom.Anne holds a PhD in Education from The Univeristy of Melbourne with a focus in complexity theory, revealing how to craft successful and sustainable practice and culture in innovative learning environments. She also routinely supports education leaders and architects to develop school masterplans and design briefs.Commencing as a primary teacher, Anne has experience in community development, school system administration, and school-based innovation consultancy. At The Learning Future, Anne leads programs and projects to help educators, leaders and organisations step into the future through strategic design and learning experiences that optimistically chart a path ahead in our increasingly complex world. Anne also leads the executive coaching and learning tour aspects of The Learning Future, supporting schools and organisations to integrate the cutting edge of school design, philosophy and practice.

Is there a chance that in trying to innovate we risk inflating systems in a way that 'misses the mark'? How can we approach innovative and big ideas in a way that is mission focussed?This conversation also features a careful speculations on the impact of OpenAI's ChatGPT and how learning innovators imagine and prepare for it's potential implications.https://www.gettingsmart.com/Transcript available at https://www.thelearingfuture.com.In this sixth episode of Education Transformed, Louka speaks with Tom Vander Ark, a strong professional advocate for innovation in education but also a deep thinker about the potential consequences or failures of new systems. Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises schools, districts, networks, foundations and learning organizations on the path forward. A prolific writer and speaker, Tom is author of Getting Smart, Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, Smart Parents, Better Together, The Power of Place and Difference Making at the Heart of Learning. and has published thousands of articles and papers. He writes regularly on GettingSmart.com, Forbes, and LinkedIn.Previously he served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tom served as a public school superintendent in Washington State and has extensive private sector experience. He serves on the board of Education Board Partners, 4.0 Schools, Digital Learning Institute, Latinx Education Collaborative, Mastery Transcript Consortium and eduInnovation. He is also an advisor to numerous schools and startups.Check out this season's partner publication: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformation

Is it possible that reframed early learning can empower otherwise disadvantaged young people? Is there an opportunity to re-define schools as community hubs and social squares? Do teachers need to be an expert in mental health in order to improve wellbeing? In this fifth episode of Education Transformed, Louka speaks with Frank Oberklaid, a pioneer and inspiring spark for early education geared directly at the centres for child wellbeing, with demonstrable results.Professor Frank Oberklaid is the Foundation Director of the Centre for Community Child Health at The Royal Children's Hospital – Melbourne [ https://www.rch.org.au/ccch/ ], Co-Group Leader of Child Health Policy, Equity and Translation at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and an Honorary Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne.He is a highly regarded specialist paediatrician and brings a wealth of skills to his work and is an internationally recognised researcher, author, lecturer and consultant, and has written two books and over 200 scientific publications on various aspects of paediatrics. Transcript available: https://www.thelearningfuture.com/the-learning-future-podcast/educationtransformed-6

Is education a globally recognised construct, is it universal? What are the environments in which the best transformations occur and which regions have unique and interesting approaches? In this Fourth episode of Education Transformed, Louka speaks with Gavin Dykes, a wealth of knowledge about the unique approaches to education globally with https://www.theewf.org/ .Transcript available at: https://www.thelearningfuture.com/the-learning-future-podcast-aboutGavin Dykes is Programme Director of the Education World Forum (2004-present) held in London and for the Asian Summit on Education and Skills (2015-present) in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. He contributes to advisory boards for ISTE, University of the People, and Karanga, he is on the board of Lyfta and is a judge for the Empathy Week Awards. Gavin has worked closely with governments, corporations, foundations, schools and universities in many countries. His writing includes co-authorship of “Building and sustaining national education technologies agencies: Lessons, models and case studies from around the world” (The World Bank 2017) and “Aspire High – Imagining Tomorrow's School Today” (Corwin Press 2017). He has moderated and chaired international discussions including OECD Skills Summits in Norway and Portugal, Virtual TIESS in India, and Education Fast Forward debates across the world. For education to achieve its best possible outcomes, Gavin thinks we all, whether learner, teacher or leader, would do well to listen more, collaborate better and innovate constantly.Check out this season's partner publication: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformationTranscript available: https://bit.ly/3QX7SkW

What do the innovative architects of education sound like? How might they imagine channels that defy the “trickle-down” model of success by delivering high-tech and advantageous tools of education and employment directly to all?In this Third episode of Education Transformed, Louka speaks with John Goodwin and Chris Purifoy.LEF's mission to bring quality skills and equal opportunity to every human on Earth, using open standards and web3 technologies.https://www.learningeconomy.io/John Goodwin, is Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Prior to joining LEF, Goodwin spent a decade working in the LEGO ecosystem, first as EVP and CFO of The LEGO Group then later as CEO of LEGO Foundation. Chris Purifoy, CEO of Learning Economy, about their ambitious global goal—to increase the impact of investment in humans, solve equity gaps, and empower learners and employees with better access to their data.He is a delegate for the UN's Blockchain for Impact and the U.S. Department of Education's Blockchain Action Network. Chris is a digital architect, serial entrepreneur, author, and futurist. He speaks in global forums about AI, blockchain, and the future of education and work. Chris loves simplifying really complex, difficult problems and building strong tribes.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this second episode of Education Transformed, Louka speaks with Dr Anantha Duraiappah, Director of the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development. A depthful discussion about the whole brain approach to learning and education, including a confident approach to digital pedagogy, where neuroscience technology is applied to learning and teaching as a potentiality enhancer.UNESCO MGIEP in New Delhi, India is UNESCO's first category 1 institute in the Asia-Pacific region. As an experienced environmental-development economist; Dr Anantha Duraiappah plays a key role in positioning MGIEP as a leading research institute on education for peace, sustainable development and global citizenship.Professor Duraiappah received his PhD in economics from the University of Texas in Austin, USA. He has authored numerous books and journal articles on environmental and developmental issues. Anantha also serves presently as as the policy forum editor for "The Journal of Human Development and Capacity". He is a Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences (WAAS), a Founding Fellow of the Human Development and Capability Association and a visiting Professor at the University of Tokyo, Japan.Anantha, in his previous post at the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), initiated and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). He was the Co-Chair of the Biodiversity Synthesis Group of the Kofi Anna commissioned Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and founding director of the Inclusive Wealth Report released at the Rio+20 Summit in 2012.Dr. Duraiappah is presently focusing on researching and exploring how “Firing Gandhi Neurons” can be integrated into the educational curricular of the formal, informal and non-formal education systems around the globe.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

Find out which countries are embarking on true education transformation and discover why transformation might be the best way to articulate the changes we need in schools and education systems. View the report: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/issue/transformed-the-case-for-education-transformationToday's episode is with educationalist, convenor, and non-profit leader Dominic Regester.Dominic is Director of Education and Director of the Center for Education Transformation at Salzburg Global Seminar, where he is responsible for designing, developing and implementing programs on the futures of education, with a particular focus on social and emotional learning, education leadership, regenerative education, and education transformation. Prior to this he worked for the British Council for 14 years on global citizenship education, teacher professional development, and education collaboration. He works on a broad range of projects across education policy, practice, transformation, and international development, including as a Director at the Amal Alliance, as a Senior Editor for Diplomatic Courier, and as an advisor to the Learning Economy Foundation, and the Power of Zero. Since 2021 he has also served as the Executive Director of Karanga: the Global Alliance for Social Emotional Learning and Life Skills. He holds Masters degrees in Chinese Studies from the School of Oriental and African studies in London, and in Education and International Development from the Institute of Education at University College London.In this chat Dominic mentioned the work of bigchange.org, who we are talking to in a future episode. Find out more at salzburgglobal.org and keep transforming.

Louka Parry introduces a season 7: “Education Transformed” a series of conversations that aren't afraid to leave behind past preconceptions to allow for real unhindered bold change and innovation in learning and education - both practical examples and plans for the future.Season 7 is partnered with the Salzburg Global Seminar.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

Louka reflects on the last season the "d.school Spotlight" that featured 10 insightful authors affiliated with the Hasso Platner Institute of Design at Stanford. Please revisit any these season 6 episodes that pique your interest: ‘My Favorite Failure' with Laura McBain & Ron BeGhetto Spotify - Apple‘Navigating Ambiguity' with Kelly SchmutteSpotify - Apple ‘The Secret Language of Maps' with Carissa CarterSpotify - Apple‘Drawing on Courage' with Ashish GoelSpotify - Apple‘Design for Belonging' with Susie WiseSpotify - Apple‘Changing the Conversation about School Safety' with Barry SvigalsSpotify - AppleFutures Meets Design with Lisa Kay SolomonSpotify - Apple'This is a Prototype' with Scott WitthoftSpotify - Apple'You Need A Manifesto' with Charlotte Burgess-AuburnSpotify - Apple'Creative Hustle' with Sam SeidelSpotify - AppleGiven the wrap up of season 6; season 7 of the podcast “Education Transformed” is announced which features change makers in education beginning with Dr Anantha Duraiappah.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this tenth and final episode of the Stanford d.school spotlight; Sam Seidel hustles up valuable guiding principles for building a network - people - practice template for creation. A clear recipe, with enlightening examples, of people who have been successful with via more ‘alternate' means, with side hustles becoming front and centre! Sam is an author of the illustrated dschool guide Creative Hustle.What is a side hustle and why are they becoming so common? How might we extract the most value and fulfilment from a side hustle? Is there a recipe, template, or examples to follow to enable a hustle of creation?ABOUT CREATIVE HUSTLESam Seidel is a human. a friend. a son. a brother. an uncle. a husband. an education nerd. a hip-hop nerd. a writer. a designer. a collaborator. sam co-directs the K12 Lab at the Stanford d.school, teaches, reads and writes books, speaks publicly, consults with foundations and organisations, builds crossword puzzles, and is a recovering sneaker fiend.A vibrant, illustrated guide to blazing a unique and fulfilling creative path, from the Stanford d.school.Humans have always been creative hustlers—problem solvers who seek to live beyond the limits suggested by society. Yet we live in a world where the place you were born, the amount of money you have, and the level of melanin in your skin indicate the precise path you are expected to follow. Too many of us silence our creativity and let our hustle calcify as we settle for the roles assigned to us.Now Olatunde Sobomehin and sam seidel, co-teachers of the Creative Hustle course at Stanford University, help you identify and navigate your own creative path that leads from your gifts—your unique combination of skills—to your goals, where you make a living doing things that matter.You'll learn about other creative hustlers, like Bryant Terry, who merged his passions for social justice and African American cuisine to become an award-winning eco-chef and cookbook author; Sian Heder, who used her desire to deeply understand herself and others to make award-winning films that add to the cultural conversation; and author/TV host Ayesha Curry, who aligns her professional and personal decisions with her core values. Taking inspiration and lessons from these creative problem-solvers and using activities from the Creative Hustle course, you will begin to see and shape your own path—and follow it to the fulfillment of your goals.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this ninth episode of the Stanford d.school spotlight; Charlotte Burgess-Auburn conjures radical innovative thinking, a fundamentally novel and useful way of looking at design via flexible prototyping! She is author of the illustrated dschool guide You Need a Manifesto.Ever struggle with a decision? Perhaps lacked a sense of purpose or drive? Every been challenged by a dilemma? Charlotte Burgess-Auburn makes the case for personal and professional Manifestos - a foundation on which to manifest our goals, desires, or just musings we wish to introduce to reality. Charlotte's design approach to guiding schema and principles is satisfying and refreshing in a world saturated with choice and not-so-obvious decision making. Learnings here offer a concrete and infallible solution before indecision or apathy has even a chance to be considered. Charlotte Burgess-Auburn is a designer, artist, and educator. With a background in production for fine arts and theater and experience at the MIT Media Laboratory, she has been the director of community at the Stanford d.school since 2005, where she also teaches classes on the role of self-awareness in creativity and design.In You Need a Manifesto, Charlotte Burgess-Auburn, the d.school's director of community, first defines the challenges of information overload we all experience today. Then she shows how to craft a personal creed that will help you face daily tasks and roadblocks, and create more purpose in your work. Explanations and hands-on design-based exercises are based on vibrant quotes and excerpts from a curated collection of designers, artists, writers, scientists, and social activists. These quotes serve both as inspiration and material for the activities.Each chapter of the book is also preceded by a graphic manifesto by artist and master letterpress printer Rick Griffith, who created his illustrations in response to the material in each chapter, to guide and inspire you to see what you can produce for yourself.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this eighth episode of the Stanford d.school spotlight; Scott Witthoft conjures radical innovative thinking, a fundamentally novel and useful way of looking at design via flexible prototyping! He is author of dschool guide This is a Prototype.What is a prototype, how can we approach their design and creation, and what is their utility? Scott Witthoft works as an educator, designer, and author. Drawing from his past practice of forensic structural engineering, he incorporates that expertise with current pursuits in space, furniture, and product design—teaching and speaking widely. He is the co-author of Make Space, a tool for creating collaborative environments. His work has been featured in The Design Museum and publications such as Fast Company, Architecture and Urbanism, and Metropolis. This Is a Prototype: The Curious Craft of Exploring New Ideas by Scott Witthoft and Stanford d.school.Part of the Stanford d.school's collection of creativity and design books, this guide presents practical tools, guidance and methods for creating a prototype to test an idea, which anyone can use to confidently turn the unknowns of a new idea into a learning experience. Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this seventh episode of the Stanford d.school spotlight; Lisa Kay Solomon gives a peek of the thoughts around her upcoming book about her recent innovative civics exercises with learners. Are our systems designed for short term rewards and is the design of civics and business at odds with the future? The conversation features a broad range of topics from design, futures, civics, the importance of agency to extra high-quality civics education. Futures thinking, practices, and mindsets are teachable and learnable. How might we think differently about the image of the future that we could bring to life, to be a shaper as opposed to a reactor. It might seem hard, but we can start small. Lisa Kay Solomon is a futures and design educator, author, and social entrepreneur focused on helping people develop the leadership skills to become active, compassionate agents of positive change. With nearly over 20 years of design, scenario-planning, and leadership work, Lisa's work focuses on the question: How do we help leaders and learners of all ages not just prepare for the future, but help them develop the mindsets, skillsets and practices required to shape more sustainable, inclusive, robust futures? Named to the Thinkers50 2022 Radar List, Lisa co-authored the bestselling books Moments of Impact: How to Design Strategic Conversations that Accelerate Change, and Design A Better Business: New Tools, Skills, and Mindset and Strategy for Innovation, which has been translated into over a dozen languages. Lisa created the popular LinkedIn Learning Courses Leading Like a Futurist and Redesigning How We Work for 2021, and has written extensively on helping leaders productively navigate ambiguity through teachable and learnable practices.Currently a Designer in Residence and Lecturer at Stanford University's Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, Lisa teaches a variety of futures-oriented classes, including one of the d.school's most popular courses, Inventing the Future, which exposes students to practices of applied imagination, strategic foresight, immersive world building, and creativity. Lisa's course design utilizes immersive experiences like participating in 50 year future utopia and dystopia debates on emerging technology in order to move beyond questions of “can we build it?” to "should we build it?” As one student commented after the class, “I used to think that thinking about the future was a gene intrinsic to talent, and now I think I have the skills and tools to shape it myself." In 2021, she launched The Futures Series at the Stanford d.school, which brought diverse futures thinkers from around the world to share and democratize future-shaping practices. Guests included Dr. Lonny Brooks and Ahmed Best on Afrofutures, Meredith Hutchison and Aisha Bain on Ancestral Intelligence, Leah Zaidi on WorldBuilding, Minister Faust on Science Fiction and Pro-social competitions, and Riel Miller on UNESCO's Future Literacy, among others. She also initiated experiential professional development programs such as “Afro-Rithms in Classrooms” with the National Writing Project, and workshops focused on building futures literacies such as building empathy for the future and navigating time scales and polarities.Lisa is passionate about connecting her work between boardrooms to classrooms, bringing her work with executives and leaders at multinational companies to leaders and educators in K12 schools. She recently launched a new podcast called New View EDU, co-hosted with the National Association of Independent Schools, to help school leaders shift their posture and priorities to infuse K12 education with imagination, social and emotional wellbeing, and creative agency for the future. Named one of ixDA's Women of Design 2020, Lisa is also the founder and driving force beyond Vote by Design, Building America's Teammates, and #AllVoteNoPlay, a national initiative which transforms Election Day as a day “off” from official collegiate athletic activities into a day “on” for civic engagement. Working closely with college coaches, civic educational leaders and student leaders, the experiential programs reached tens of thousands of young voters, coaches, and administrators in relevant, accessible, meaningful civic learning and action. Lisa's work in the civics arena is focused on helping next generation voters grow in their own sense of power and agency over the futures they want to inhabit. Through creating design-driven, agency-oriented programs with a bias toward changemaking action, Lisa aims to empower young people to create a more just and inclusive world.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this sixth episode of the Stanford d.school spotlight; Barry Svigals gives a peek of the thoughts around his book Changing the Conversation about School Safety. Published as a d.school guide. Read it here: https://issuu.com/stanforddschool/docs/changingtheconversationaboutschoolsafety-k12lab.Can over-securing reduce feelings of enjoyment and senses of safety? How does might an obsession with safety present obstacles and challenges when designing learning environments and systems?Barry Svigals offers a brave and bold approach to safety in schools from a unique and close perspective of school shootings and the following decision making. After all the safest place to learn would be a reinforced concrete padded box but we could imagine a-lot would be lost in such environments.Design for our environments and systems should be a way that isn't static and involve those who best know the environment, people, and the dynamic of safety in the context of creating a learning environment that will enliven and delight students of all ages.Barry' Svigals is an artist, architect, musician, keynote speaker and thought leader, Barry Svigals is helping communities and organizations become more creative and collaborative, making places that express who they are. Trained as both an artist and an architect, he wove those two worlds together in the founding of an architecture+art firm which he led for over 30 years. Work, play, surprise, and fun are all part of the collective effort to infuse “making with meaning.” At the heart of it all is his passion to challenge his own creativity as well as the creativity of others in service of what is needed in the world. A graduate of Yale College and the Yale School of Architecture, Barry also studied sculpture at the École Nationale Supèrieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. Along the way he enjoyed another kind of education playing rock and roll in with a band that still plays today. All of that contributed to a long list of projects for diverse clients, among them major universities such as Yale, Boston College and the University of Connecticut as well as major corporations and institutions such PepsiCo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Residential clients included Keith Richards and Patti Hansen as well as Garry Trudeau and Jane Pauley. The firm's best known project is the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut completed in 2016.In addition to speaking engagements, Barry is currently preparing for an exhibition of his paintings in Italy in spring 2020 and is working on a book, How We Are Matters, which will be published in late 2019.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this fifth episode of the Stanford d.school spotlight; Susie Wise, author of Design for Belonging: How to Build Inclusion and Collaboration in Your Communities clarifies the subject and discusses how she arrived at the approaches of her book. Published as a d.school guide.The feeling of belonging is a fundamental human need. It's how we know we can show up, be ourselves, and thus enables learning. From a design perspective, we need to understand the feeling of belonging - and understand how to get there. Creating opportunity for belonging to emerge.Dr. Susie Wise is a design leader with experience in the education, tech, and the social sectors. She coaches leaders in equity design and innovation practices. She teaches at the d.school at Stanford and coaches with the Mira Fellowship. Previously she founded and directed the K12 Lab at the d.school and co-created Liberatory Design.Design for Belonging provides tools that any group or organisation may use to build inclusion. These might be rituals that bring us together, spaces that keep us calm, roles that create a sense of responsibility, and systems that make us feel respected.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In the fourth instalment of the Stanford d.school spotlight; Ashish Goel, author of Drawing on Courage: Risks Worth Taking and Stands Worth Making discusses the life canvas, inspirations, insights, and sources for him to publish his most recent book. Published as a d.school guide.Ashish forms a strong case for courage, the depth of courage, which is often only granted thankful or cursory visitations, is vast and the source of a-lot of power. Courage plays a role in learning, growth and development, and allows us to live fuller lives individually and collectively. From examples of every day life to decisions in the big-tech business realms: This sources and the universality of approaches to risk; this conversation offers a great taster for the themes discussed in his most recent book and d.school guide. For example fears, values form a scaffold from which to build an action.Ashish Goel is a designer, teacher and entrepreneur. He is a former teaching fellow at the Stanford d.school where he taught classes on design thinking, digital product design and mapmaking. He is also the former head of design at Zomato (India's Doordash and Yelp rolled into one!). He is the author of a new book, Drawing on Courage: Risks Worth Taking and Stands Worth Making, part of a series of guides being published by the Stanford d.school.He advises tech companies in the art and science of product design and is drawing on his courage by building Boca, an D2C sparkling water business based in India.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In the third spotlight of the Stanford d.school guides; Carissa Carter, author of The Secret Language of Maps: How to Tell Visual Stories with Data helps us navigate the far horizons and surprisingly detailed depths of maps. Maps are biased towards any number of variables - often driven by agenda or intention of the mapmakers. Carissa acts as a cartographer of the multi-faceted fields of mapmaking - discussing the dynamic effects of our maps on our real world perception and inversely our lenses and intention on our maps, their uses, gems of wisdom, and pitfalls.For an introductory example to see our how our world can portrayed in novel often wacky maps for yourself and your students, Carissa recommends https://worldmapper.org/. Carissa Carter is the Academic Director and an Adjunct Professor at the Stanford d.school. In this role she guides the development of the d.school's pedagogy, leads its instructors, and shapes its class offering. She teaches courses on the intersection of data and design, designing with emerging technologies, and design for climate change. Carissa was one of the co-leaders of Stanford 2025, a multi-year d.school project that envisioned the future of higher education. Her work on designing with machine learning and blockchain has earned multiple design accolades, including Fast Company Innovation and Core77 Design Awards. Carissa's first career was in the geosciences. As a geomorphologist she studied subglacial deposits, slot canyon incision, and bedforms and cross-bedding. She continues to pursue projects at the crossover between design and science. Maps, and the experiences they create, are a consistent thread in her work. Her book, The Secret Language of Maps: How to Tell Visual Stories with Data is forthcoming in April 2022. Carissa holds a B.A. in Geoscience from Williams College, an M.S. in Earth Science from U.C. Santa Cruz, and an M.S. Engineering–Product Design from Stanford University. She's taken a photo at 6:06pm every day, for more than a decade.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this second instalment of the Stanford d.school spotlight; Kelly Schmutte, co-author of Navigating Ambiguity: Creating Opportunity in a World of Unknowns (alongside Andrea Small, illustrated by Reina Takahashi) shares ideas about confidently approaching ambiguity and ambiguous situations with confident curiosity. She discusses how ambiguity should be seen as an asset, it enables freedom of outcome, a malleability of approach that allows for creative learning and action.Kelly Schmutte is a designer, educator, and entrepreneur. At the d.school she designs learning experiences with lasting impact, reimagining the future of higher education (Stanford 2025), creating life tools for high schoolers, and building out the Navigating Ambiguity curriculum. Kelly teaches core d.school classes alongside d.school founder David Kelley. She and her ballet shoe start-up, PerfectFit Pointe, were featured in theNew York Times.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our amazing guest.Transcription upon request - e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com

The first feature of the Stanford d.school spotlight has Laura McBain and Dr Ronald Beghetto, authors of My Favorite Failure. They share ideas about consciously engineering learning and experience with uncertainty and surprise as an ingredient. Perhaps we are too rigorously over-engineering education and human experience to the point of unnatural predictability? Ronald and Laura discuss how they believe there can be good in risks and unplanned experiences, and how we might form healthy and beneficial relationships with failure as a way to build resilience and better inform pedagogy and practice.Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, indulge your cortex in some modern thinking at the forefront of educational design with our two amazing guests: Laura McBain (@laura_mcbain) is a designer, educator and serves as co-managing director of the Stanford d.school and the co-director of the K12 Lab. Her work focuses on how human-centered design can be used to provide equitable and innovative educational experiences that will help all students thrive in a changing world. In this role she leads design challenges in education, designs new learning experiences for educators and serves as an adjunct professor at Stanford University. She is the author of My Favorite Failure: How Setbacks Can Lead to Learning and Growth which provides insights and narratives into how you can create the conditions to take risks and experience failure together. Prior to the d.school, Laura worked for 15 years at High Tech High serving as the Director of External Relations, principal of two school sites and a founding teacher. She has taught middle and high school students in both charter comprehensive schools. Laura has a Bachelors from Miami University-Oxford, Ohio and a Masters from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr Beghetto is an internationally recognized expert on creative thought and action in educational settings. He holds the Pinnacle West Presidential Chair and serves as a Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Dr. Beghetto is the Editor for the Journal of Creative Behavior, Editor for Review of Research in Education, Series Editor for Creative Theory and Action in Education (Springer Books), and has served as a creativity advisor for LEGO Foundation and the Cartoon Network.He is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Society for the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts (Div. 10, APA), and the International Society for the Study of Creativity and Innovation (ISSCI). He is the 2018 recipient of the Rudolf Arnheim Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts and 2008 recipient of Daniel E. Berlyne Award from Div. 10 of the American Psychological Association. Dr Beghetto has received recognition and numerous awards for excellence in teaching, including the University of Oregon 's highest teaching award for early career faculty (2006 Ersted Crystal Apple Award), the 2015 ALD Faculty of the Year Award at the University of Connecticut, and the Provost's Recognition for Excellence in Teaching (University of Connecticut).His prior appointments include Professor of Educational Psychology, Director of UCONN's Innovation House, and Graduate Program Coordinator for the Cognition, Instruction, Learning, & Technology Program in the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. He also previously served as the College of Education's Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of Education Studies at the University of Oregon, and Faculty-in-Residence for Research and Evaluation Projects for UO's Center on Diversity and Community (CoDaC). Dr Beghetto earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Indiana University (with an emphasis in Learning, Cognition and Instruction).

View CSE paper 06 titled “Learning on purpose” by Charles Leadbeater and the Student Agency Lab and also, CSE paper 07 titled “Learning in a floating world of disciplines: Reflections on the MetaPraxis Project” by Michael Bunce.Louka reviews the amazing takeaways shared by frontline educators during AISSA's agency lab 3-year project featuring lessons of agency from Charles Leadbeater and stories of the MetaPraxis Project, chiefly designed by Michael Bunce. Louka also shares excitement for the upcoming season 6 with Stanford's dschool guide spotlight series, releasing late June 2022.

Featured Guests: Karen Schoff - Good Shepherd SchoolVeronika Crilley - St. Johns GrammarJoyanne Gardner - St. Johns GrammarMetaPraxis is a 3-year approach led by educational philosopher and researcher Michael Bunce. MetaPraxis educators experience going beyond disciplines to move into the multi-dimensionality of learning, fusing knowledge skills, and capabilities so that our young people may thrive into their future. How might we bring about agency, cognitive skills, creativity, and design thinking; and couple that with an awareness to transfer these skills to transcend current boundaries? True meta-disciplinary work.In part four, Michael talks with three educators about their experience with MetaPraxis.See more of MetaPraxis project & get involved:https://www.metapraxisproject.orgFor transcript e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com.

Featured Guests: Graham Duffy - Pembroke School,Andrea Feldhoff - Pembroke School,Melanie Krueger - Trinity College North,Jessica Simons - Trinity College North,Catherine Emmerson - St. Johns Grammar School.MetaPraxis is a 3-year approach led by educational philosopher and researcher Michael Bunce. Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, this four-part series features front-line educators who have experience with MetaPraxis by going beyond disciplines to move into the multi-dimensionality of learning, fusing knowledge skills, and capabilities so that our young people may thrive into their future. How might we bring about agency, cognitive skills, creativity, and design thinking; and couple that with an awareness to transfer these skills to transcend current boundaries? True meta-disciplinary work.In part three, Louka queries Michael alongisde five South Australian educators about their experience with MetaPraxis, it's utility, insights, and benefits.See more of MetaPraxis project & get involved:https://www.metapraxisproject.orgPlease e-mail hello@thelearningfuture.com for a transcript.

Featured Guests: Jo Rossiter - Annesley Primary School,David Taylor - Annesley Junior School,Mayra Franco - Walford Anglican School,Sam Bartram - Walford Anglican School,Julie Sampson - Cornerstone College, Rhett Fielke - Cornserstone College.MetaPraxis is a 3-year approach led by educational philosopher and researcher Michael Bunce. Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, this four-part series features front-line educators who have experience with MetaPraxis by going beyond disciplines to move into the multi-dimensionality of learning, fusing knowledge skills, and capabilities so that our young people may thrive into their future. How might we bring about agency, cognitive skills, creativity, and design thinking; and couple that with an awareness to transfer these skills to transcend current boundaries? True meta-disciplinary work.In part two, Louka queries Michael alongside six MetaPraxis educators about their experience, thoughts, and feedback on using the apprach in practice at their schools.See more of MetaPraxis project & get involved:https://www.metapraxisproject.orgTranscript available upon request e-mail:hello@thelearningfuture.com

The MetaPraxis is a 3-year approach led by educational philosopher and researcher Michael Bunce. Hosted by The Learning Future's very own Louka Parry, this four-part series features front-line educators who have experience with MetaPraxis by going beyond disciplines to move into the multi-dimensionality of learning, fusing knowledge skills, and capabilities so that our young people may thrive into their future. How might we bring about agency, cognitive skills, creativity, and design thinking; and couple that with an awareness to transfer these skills to transcend current boundaries? True meta-disciplinary work.In part one, Louka queries Michael one-on-one about MetaPraxis, it's origins, form, features, and inspiriations.See more of MetaPraxis project & get involved:https://www.metapraxisproject.org

How do we be more on purpose, and less on point and create learning with rigour but not rigidity? How do we elevate voice, choice and initiative knowing that as we do so we create more freedom and more responsibility?In this episode of our 10-part special series on Learner Agency we discuss how students bring agency to life. This is the tenth lesson for agency shared by global education expert Charles Leadbeater in conversation with educators from schools across South Australia. In our conversation we blend the conceptual with the concrete, exploring philosophy, practice and product and hear how schools have journeyed towards activating agency in their community. Brilliant South Australian teachers join us for our conversation today: Ann Fromholz of Scotch College, Carrie Phillis and Lauren Lovett of Youth Inc. We discuss what purposeful learning looks like and how identity meets intent - when who we are powerfully intersects with what we want to achieve. As our educator colleagues share their learning journeys, both inner and outer, we discuss the connection between values and achievement, how they endure and evolve, and how if we connect purpose, commitment, and reflection we can create high agency learning experiences that lead to increased growth and mastery. This series is a special collaboration between The Learning Future and AISSA: The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia. Each of these ten podcast episode correspond to one of 10 lessons on Learning Agency from the soon to be published Centre for Strategic Education Paper authored by Charlie LeadBeater. We hope you enjoy our final conversation of this A-Lab series, The Agency School.See more: https://www.ais.sa.edu.au/events/student-agency-lab-three-year-project/ Transcript available upon request. Email us: hello@thelearningfuture.com

How do we be more on purpose, and less on point and create learning with rigour but not rigidity? How do we elevate voice, choice and initiative knowing that as we do so we create more freedom and more responsibility?In this episode of our 10-part special series on Learner Agency we discuss how students bring agency to life. This is the ninth lesson for agency shared by global education expert Charles Leadbeater in conversation with educators from schools across South Australia. In our conversation we blend the conceptual with the concrete, exploring philosophy, practice and product and hear how schools have journeyed towards activating agency in their community. Brilliant South Australian teachers join us for our conversation today: Wendy Matear of Bethany Christian School, Sandra Barry of Endeavour College, and Sarah Lane of Scotch College. We discuss what purposeful learning looks like and how identity meets intent - when who we are powerfully intersects with what we want to achieve. As our educator colleagues share their learning journeys, both inner and outer, we discuss the connection between values and achievement, how they endure and evolve, and how if we connect purpose, commitment, and reflection we can create high agency learning experiences that lead to increased growth and mastery. This series is a special collaboration between The Learning Future and AISSA: The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia. Each of these ten podcast episode correspond to one of 10 lessons on Learning Agency from the soon to be published Centre for Strategic Education Paper authored by Charlie LeadBeater. We hope you enjoy our conversation, Leadership.See more: https://www.ais.sa.edu.au/events/student-agency-lab-three-year-project/ Transcript available upon request. Email us: hello@thelearningfuture.com

How do we be more on purpose, and less on point and create learning with rigour but not rigidity? How do we elevate voice, choice and initiative knowing that as we do so we create more freedom and more responsibility?In this episode of our 10-part special series on Learner Agency we discuss how students bring agency to life. This is the eight lesson for agency shared by global education expert Charlie Leadbeater in conversation with educators from schools across South Australia. In our conversation we blend the conceptual with the concrete, exploring philosophy, practice and product and hear how schools have journeyed towards activating agency in their community. Five brilliant teachers join us for our conversation today: Tracey Wallace of Scotch College, John Dow and Lindee Hopkins of Tatachilla Lutheran College, Louisa Milligan of Endeavour College, and Sheridan Cox of Walford Anglican School for Girls. We discuss what purposeful learning looks like and how identity meets intent - when who we are powerfully intersects with what we want to achieve. As our educator colleagues share their learning journeys, both inner and outer, we discuss the connection between values and achievement, how they endure and evolve, and how if we connect purpose, commitment, and reflection we can create high agency learning experiences that lead to increased growth and mastery. This series is a special collaboration between The Learning Future and AISSA: The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia. Each of these ten podcast episode correspond to one of 10 lessons on Learning Agency from the soon to be published Centre for Strategic Education Paper authored by Charlie LeadBeater. We hope you enjoy our conversation, Strategies for Innovation and Change.See more: https://www.ais.sa.edu.au/events/student-agency-lab-three-year-project/ Transcript available upon request. Email us: hello@thelearningfuture.com